Printing with the PLA filament 1.75 mm: A Complete Guide for You

When talking about the
3D printing filament, one type that has gained significant popularity in the
recent is the PLA filament 1.75mm.
The PLA or Polylactic Acid tends to differ from most of the thermoplastic-based
polymers.

Why?

This is because it is
created from renewable resources such as sugar cane or corn starch. On the
contrary, most of the plastics are actually created from distillation or
polymerization of the nonrenewable forms of petroleum reserves. On the other
hand, plastics that tend to be derived from the biomass are termed as
“Bioplastics.”

Characteristics of PLA Filament

If you are planning to
purchase the PLA filament 1.75 mm, make sure you know about its characteristics
and how well it works for your needs. The PLA filament has properties that are
similar to PE (Polyethylene), Polystyrene (PS), or Polypropylene (PP).It can
easily be produced with the use of existing equipment for filament
manufacturing. This is what makes the PLA filament relatively cost-effective in
terms of large scale production for 3D printing needs.

Given the cost-effectiveness,
it is obvious that the PLA filament has the 2nd largest production
rate for any bioplastic.

The PLA filament 1.75
mm can be used for a wide range of applications such as:

Bottles

Plastic films

Biodegradable Medical Equipment

Apart from this, the
PLA can also constrict under the heat. This is why it is deemed suitable to be
used as the shrink wrap. The way the PLA easily melts leads to some of the best
and most interesting applications when talking about the 3D printing world.

On the opposite end,
this filament has a low transition temperature, which makes it unsuitable for
holding hot liquid.

Key Properties of PLA Filament

The PLA filament is
generally classified as thermoplastic due to the way this plastic reacts to
heat. The thermoplastics tend to become liquid when they attain the melting
point, which is 150 degrees Celsius to 160 degrees Celsius.

How is the PLA filament created?

The PLA or Polylactic
Acid can be created via two recognizable processes which are:

Condensation

Polymerization

The commonly used
polymerization technique in the production of PLA filament 1.75 mm is the Ring-Opening
Polymerization. In this process, the makers utilize the metal catalysts that
are combined with the lactide. This helps with the creation of larger variants
of the PLA molecules.

The PLA’s condensation
process works in a similar manner, with the only difference being its
temperature during conduction of procedure as well as by-products released as
the consequence of this reaction.

Popular Applications of the PLA filament 1.75
mm

Packaging
Polymer for Food Contact Approved:

The
PLA has been approved for being used as a packaging filament for food by the
FDA (Food and Drug Administration). It can easily be used in the form of food
packaging to keep safe the products with short life such as fruits as well as
vegetables.

The
commonly known packaging applications for the PLA
filament 1.75 mm include drinking cups, containers, salad cups, sundae,
blister packages, as well as overwraps.

Biocompatible
Plastic for Medical and Healthcare Industry:

Given
the biodegradability and biocompatibility, the PLA filament 1.75 mm can easily
be used for the medical as well as the healthcare industry. Both these
industries are making use of the PLA to manufacture scaffolds for tissue
engineering, covering membranes, materials for delivery systems, and medical
implants (bioabsorbable).

Further,
due to the versatility shown by the PLA filament, it has also been investigated
to be used for the membrane applications such as wound covers, medical devices,
as well as implants. This can include everything from the rods, pins, plates to
sutures, and screws. The application of PLA filament is also being incorporated
in dermatological treatments such as scar rejuvenation and facial lipoatrophy.

Structural
Applications:

The
Bio-based polylactic acid or its composites are new to the world of structural
applications for the high-end automotive, electronics, or electrical
appliances. The PLA composites are known to show better impact resistance and
tensile strength, which could be used in the interiors of an automobile as well
as safety helmets.

Apart
from this, PLA filament 1.75 mm is also well-suited to be used as pillar cover,
floor mats, front panel, door trim, as well as ceiling material. However, one
needs to keep in mind the fact that the application in this stream is still
limited, and more will surely be explored in the future.

Fabrics
and Fibers Created from PLA:

The PLA
filament 1.75 mm is also perfect for the creation of textile fibers to create
things such as carpets, shirts, mattresses, bedding, sportswear, and more. Given
the low absorption rate for moisture, this material is perfect for creating sweat-proof
fabric. Apart from that, the PLA filament has properties such as the low
generation of smoke and UV light resistance that make it a great filament for
fiber creation.

The PLA
filament also has applications in bags for compostable waste, mulch films, insulation
materials, as well as structural protective foam.

Is the PLA filament toxic?

Now, this particular
thing is debatable. Why? Given the biodegradable nature of the PLA filament
1.75 mm, it is safe in its solid form. This filament is generally used for food
handling as well as medical implants designed to biodegrade within your body with
time. However, like any other plastic material, it sure has the potential for
toxicity. However, this is only possible if the fumes of the material are
inhaled or absorbed into your skin. It can also harm you if the vapors tend to
enter your body via the eyes or in liquid form.

So, the next time you
are handling this molten polymer, make sure you are careful and follow the
instructions laid out for handling it in a strict manner.

Conclusion

The PLA filament, being a biodegradable option, is perfect for your 3D printing needs. However, you need to keep in mind that the fumes could be potentially toxic. So, make sure you always print in a room that is well-ventilated. If possible, wear a mask to avoid inhaling the fumes. Given the fact that it is biodegradable, it can be used safely for creating food containers, wrap plastics, and more!

Looking for a high-quality PLA filament 1.75 mm? At MakeShaper, we house an extensive collection of top-quality PLA filaments that are all tested for strength and durability. We also have an amazing collection of other filament types such as ASA, ABS, PVA, and more. So, shop today to get exclusive discounts on your purchase.